10 November 2011 | Tennis West
Alicia Molik was playing for 2 as she debuted for the Greenwich Giants (UWA/Reabold) on centre court for the National Tennis League-Perth on Wednesday evening.
The mum-to-be was radiating as she strutted on court sporting a 7 month baby bump as she faced off against another ‘baby’ of the game, seventeen year old Caitlin Cridland from Ian Hutchison Real Estate (Hensman Park/Midland).
The former No. 8 in the world displayed a ‘modified’ playing style, limiting her court coverage and hyper-extensive stretching to compensate for the new addition.
Cridland took advantage of Molik’s ‘unfamiliar’ game and cruised past the former great easily, (4-1) (4-2).
“Perth tennis fans were really treated to something special this evening.” Tennis West President Dean Williams said.
What a fantastic reflection on one of Australia’s tennis greats to get involved in the NTL-Perth, not to mention the phenomenal experience Caitlin was exposed to.
It really shows how much Alicia loves the sport and I congratulate her for coming out and getting involved against one of our aspiring WA juniors.
Incredible commitment from the former number 8 in the world. A great day for Alicia and our great game”. Williams said after Molik’s match.
When asked how she felt after the match Molik had this to say “I’ve been really lucky as I still feel great. I always love coming out and playing with the other girls, so feel lucky to be a part of it. I love the idea of a National Tennis League and the playing format suits me.”
It was however their opponents day, with Ian Hutchison’s Real Estate side taking out 5 of the 6 rubbers played on the evening.
Gordon Davies Real Estate v Cooling Towers WA
The other Women’s match for the evening saw Gordon Davies Real Estate (Dalkeith) obtain a clean sweep of rubbers against Cooling Towers WA (Blue Gum Park). The onslaught begun with Jessica Moore leading the charge against her inexperienced opponent Ivana Vojnovich. The Williams star came thrashing out of the blocks on a vicious rampage, disposing of Vojnovich (4-1) (4-0).
In the Men’s field the 130 strong crowd were treated to an extensive array of top tiered tennis, with the gentleman of the game really stepping up their charge to the finals in Round 4 of the inaugural event.
Ian Hutchison Real Estate v Macstiobhard
In a sensational display on centre court, Miles Armstrong from Ian Hutchison Real Estate (Hensman Park) edged out Macstobhard’s (Blue Gum Park) Zach Itzstein in a tie-break.
The level of play was exceptional with 2 serving powerhouses going head to head. After Armstrong took the first set (4-2) Itzstein appeared to ‘acclimatise’ to Armstrong’s fierce serve in the 2nd, launching a number of blistering passing shots deep into the court to level the scores(2-4) in the second.
It was however Armstrong who managed to overpower a very gallant Itzstein, closing it down in a tie-break (7-3).
Ian Hutchison Real Estate went on to win the tie, 4 rubbers to 2.
Gordon Davies Real Estate v Greenwich Giants
Undefeated Gordon Davies Real Estate (Peppermint Grove) had a shaky start to their round 4 campaign, with Brenton Bacon dropping the 1st rubber against an unforgettable display from Andrew Roberts of the Greenwich Giants (2-4) (3-4).
Roberts (who has been absent for the past 2 weeks of play) dominated the court with his electrifying forehand and extensive court coverage.
Despite the ideal start for the Giants, this was the first and last match they would claim for the evening. Gordon Davies Real Estate steamrolling through the field undefeated.
Tennis Only v ERM Power
In the most anticipated match of the round, Tennis Only (Sorrento) took on ERM Power (Wembley Downs). ERM Power’s Charles Williams performing a gallant comeback after losing the first set to love, as he upset Hayden Gibson in a tie-break, taking the match (0-4) (4-2) (7-5). After the first 4 singles matches were played the scores were levelled at 2 rubbers a piece.
Both teams went on to win a doubles match each before a count back was performed. Tennis Only were determined victorious at the end of the night, winning 3-8-42 to 3-4-31.
The final 2 rounds are sure to be ecstatic tennis with 5 out of the 6 men’s teams still eligible to make the finals with the Women’s championship still up for grabs.
The finalists of both the Men’s and Women’s ties will then head to the 2012 Australian Open to play off against South Australia and Victoria in the NTL Finals.
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